As the Test series between India and England unfolds, England pacer Mark Wood has revealed he is aiming for a return in the fifth and final match at The Oval - starting July 31.
The 35-year-old has been out of play since suffering a medial ligament injury in his left knee during the Champions Trophy earlier this year. He underwent surgery in March and has been in rehabilitation since.
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Wood's unavailability has been a major blow for England - especially with the series marking the start of their WTC 2025–27 cycle. His pace and reverse swing would have been handy in English conditions against a young Indian batting line-up.
What did Mark Wood say on his return?
Speaking to BBC Test Match Special, Wood confirmed he has resumed light bowling sessions and is hopeful of making a return before the series ends.
"Rehab is going well. I’ve just started bowling very lightly, so I'm on the comeback trail now officially. I'm hoping still to play a part in this series, probably the last Test. I might not get there, but at the minute, that's still my focus, said Wood.
He acknowledged that his recovery had been slow initially but also said that things are beginning to pick up.
"I haven’t been able to do a lot, but starting to speed up now, getting some bowling in. I'll just wait and see," he added.
Wood's potential return could give England a much-needed boost in the final Test. With several first-choice bowlers nursing niggles or returning from injuries, the team's attack has leaned heavily on Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse.
Whether Wood makes it in time remains to be seen but his comeback could prove crucial if the series hangs in the balance.